The United States is ramping up pressure on businesses helping Iran evade sanctions, threatening to cut them off from the American financial system. This has placed China in a difficult position. While Beijing may resist Washington’s demands, Chinese banks remain heavily dependent on access to the U.S. dollar and global financial networks. As tensions over Iran’s oil exports grow, China must balance its strategic ties with Tehran against the risks of facing U.S. financial penalties.

U.S. Sanctions put China’s banks in a bind over Iran oil trade

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions included a proposed temporary shipping corridor and a possible joint project to clear mines from the key waterway.

Qatar PM meets Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi

Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament rejected on Thursday a T$210 billion ($6.6 billion) ‌government plan for a special budget to buy new military drones and passed their own plan instead, which sets annual spending at T$40 billion.
The government said its plan, to run until 2031, to buy about 210,000 drones, could not wait, as the wars in Ukraine and Iran ​showed the importance of uncrewed weapons in modern warfare amid a rising threat from China, which sees ​the island as its own territory.

Taiwan approves $1.26 billion worth military drone spending

US-Iran diplomacy is gaining momentum amid a tense standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. As both sides face mounting pressure over regional security and energy supplies, diplomatic efforts could play a key role in preventing further escalation.

US vs Iran: Diplomacy gains momentum amid standoff over Hormuz 

The long-delayed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is back in the spotlight as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forms a high-powered committee to break the deadlock. Signed in 2009 and formalised in 2010, the project has stalled for years, partly due to US sanctions, leaving Iran to file an international arbitration case in Paris. With millions of dollars in potential penalties looming, Pakistan is now weighing legal, financial, and energy factors to find a way out.


Pakistan weighs penalties, energy needs over Iran gas pipeline

US President Donald Trump once again said on Wednesday that there will be no “Israel” without him. Speaking with the conservative radio commentator Glenn Beck, he said that if he had not walked out of the Obama-era JCPOA, Iran would have had nuclear weapons. He claimed that it was "one of the most dangerous deals ever," describing it as a "path to a nuclear weapon.""Israel would have been totally knocked out," he added. "If Donald Trump wasn't president, there would be no Israel right now … and that's a guarantee," said Trump, reiterating the comments he made at the G7 summit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-sanctions-china-impact-1787746089398">Will Trump’s new Iran sanctions work? China holds the key</a><h2>Trump thinks Mojtaba Khamenei is alive&nbsp;</h2>Trump said that he believes that the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, despite recent speculation around his absence from public view since taking over following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike.“I don’t think he’s dead. He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing. He was very seriously wounded. But I don’t think he’s dead," Trump said in an interview with the conservative radio host Glenn Beck.&nbsp;Trump further added that if the Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was not alive, then, “they (Iran) are putting on a very good show.” Recently, Iran's Fars News Agency released undated archival footage showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei presiding over a religious academic study session. The video was released amid claims by Israeli media that Mojtaba Khamenei was in an "extremely critical condition".Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-pakistan-deploying-bayraktar-tb2-drones-1787756607714">Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border?</a><h2>Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is functioning</h2>In the interview with conservative radio host Glenn Beck aired Wednesday, Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz is "functioning," but there will still be a drone or rocket shot sometimes.&nbsp;"We got rid of the mines," the president said. "But the strait, it's functioning; it's a functioning strait. Yes, every once in a while there will be a drone or a rocket or something shot, but it is a very functioning strait. A lot of oil is pouring out."In another interview with &nbsp;Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Trump said that the US is "achieving a very big victory", but the war in Iran will continue "as long as necessary", and there is no timetable in place for resuming peace talks.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH IN FULL: President Donald J. Trump&#39;s interview with Glenn Beck. <a href="https://t.co/O3WJTsKsQS">pic.twitter.com/O3WJTsKsQS</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2092623390003646756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump claimed Iran would have developed nuclear weapons without his actions, saying “there would be no Israel right now".

US President Donald Trump once again said on Wednesday that there will be no “Israel” without him. Speaking with the conservative radio commentator Glenn Beck, he said that if he had not walked out of the Obama-era JCPOA, Iran would have had nuclear weapons. He claimed that it was "one of the most dangerous deals ever," describing it as a "path to a nuclear weapon." "Israel would have been totally knocked out," he added. "If Donald Trump wasn't president, there would be no Israel right now … and that's a guarantee," said Trump, reiterating the comments he made at the G7 summit. Also Read: Will Trump’s new Iran sanctions work? China holds the key Trump thinks Mojtaba Khamenei is alive Trump said that he believes that the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, despite recent speculation around his absence from public view since taking over following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike. “I don’t think he’s dead. He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing. He was very seriously wounded. But I don’t think he’s dead," Trump said in an interview with the conservative radio host Glenn Beck. Trump further added that if the Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was not alive, then, “they (Iran) are putting on a very good show.” Recently, Iran's Fars News Agency released undated archival footage showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei presiding over a religious academic study session. The video was released amid claims by Israeli media that Mojtaba Khamenei was in an "extremely critical condition". Also Read: Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border? Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is functioning In the interview with conservative radio host Glenn Beck aired Wednesday, Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz is "functioning," but there will still be a drone or rocket shot sometimes. "We got rid of the mines," the president said. "But the strait, it's functioning; it's a functioning strait. Yes, every once in a while there will be a drone or a rocket or something shot, but it is a very functioning strait. A lot of oil is pouring out." In another interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Trump said that the US is "achieving a very big victory", but the war in Iran will continue "as long as necessary", and there is no timetable in place for resuming peace talks.

Donald Trump claimed Iran would have developed nuclear weapons without his actions, saying “there would be no Israel right now".

Trump once again claims without him there would be ‘no Israel right now’

As tensions with Iran persist, U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be pursuing a dual-track strategy, combining intense economic pressure with repeated diplomatic openings. Washington has expanded sanctions, threatened secondary penalties and sought to isolate Tehran economically, while also signaling willingness for talks and offering potential off-ramps.


US-Iran war: US President Donald Trump continues to look for options to end Iran war 

Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline deadlock deepens: Islamabad forms high-powered body

The US-Iran standoff has entered a new phase as President Donald Trump signals potential sanctions relief if Iran helps restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary navigational corridor to ease disruptions in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. The move comes amid stalled diplomacy, mounting economic pressure, and growing concerns over global oil supplies. Is Washington shifting from maximum pressure to conditional incentives, or is this another chapter in a prolonged geopolitical deadlock?

US-Iran War: Iran says weighing the new US proposal

The Trump administration has launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” a sweeping campaign designed to squeeze Iran's financial lifelines and pressure countries doing business with Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that countries could face sanctions if they continue economic ties with Iran. More than 60 Iran-linked individuals and entities have already been targeted, while Washington is threatening broader secondary sanctions.
But the strategy faces a major obstacle: China, Iran's biggest oil customer. Beijing has warned it could retaliate against U.S. measures targeting Chinese companies involved in Iranian trade.

China warns US it could retaliate over Iran sanctions

Iranian state television has aired a disturbing video appearing to threaten President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump. The nearly three-minute broadcast, reportedly aired by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, was titled “Where to kill Barron Trump?” and showed purported locations linked to the 20-year-old. The video also suggested a $10 million reward, though the bounty claim has not been independently verified. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it is aware of the footage and said it investigates anything perceived as a threat to its protectees. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, without providing details.


US Secret Service acknowledges threat to Barron Trump, Netanyahu's son also on radar

Iran has dismissed the latest U.S. sanctions threat as a sign of desperation, insisting that Washington's pressure campaign will fail to change Tehran's policies. The response comes as the Trump administration prepares what officials describe as the toughest sanctions package yet, targeting Iran and countries that continue doing business with it. Iranian leaders argue that years of economic pressure have failed to achieve U.S. objectives, while Washington says tougher measures are needed to increase pressure on Tehran. As tensions escalate, the debate is shifting beyond sanctions: who is becoming more isolated on the global stage—Iran or the United States?


US-Iran war: will Iran capitulate to increased US economic pressure?

Iran's currency has plunged to a new record low, with the rial reportedly weakening beyond 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar on the open market. The slide comes as Iranian households grapple with soaring inflation, rising living costs and the economic fallout of conflict and sanctions. Despite mounting pressure, Tehran says it is implementing a two-year economic recovery plan aimed at stabilising markets, boosting production and reducing the impact of sanctions.


Iranian Rial hits record low as inflation and sanctions bite

China has warned Washington that it will safeguard its interests after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the widening of the sanctions campaign against Iran, and warned that nations financially partnering with Iran will be isolated. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China was opposed to "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.&nbsp;“China has made clear on many occasions its firm opposition to illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorisation of the UN Security Council,” said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson. “The pressing task is to facilitate de-escalation of the situation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible.”&nbsp;Beijing has warned that these sanctions will "further intensify tensions” and that China’s cooperation with Iran should not be disrupted.“Economic warfare and maximum pressure will not help resolve the issue. They will only further intensify tensions and conflicts, create spillover risks,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular press briefing. “China’s cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted or undermined.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-jack-ma-china-remark-japan-investors-1787653168954">Piyush Goyal takes veiled dig at China, invokes Jack Ma while pitching India to Japanese investors</a><h2>US Treasury Secretary has warned countries against maintaining ties with Iran&nbsp;</h2>US Treasury Secretary called these new measures "the single greatest financial offensive ever" and warned of dire consequences for countries with economic ties to Iran. He warned that banks and businesses will share in Iran's isolation if they refuse to cut ties with Iran.&nbsp;“Every country has a defined timeline to shut down activities we have identified. If they do not take action, we will do so unilaterally through Treasury authorities,” said Bessent. Though he did not specifically name those countries, he hinted that Trump would be phoning world leaders "with specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime". The major nations that were going to be impacted are China, India, Egypt, UAE and Iraq, according to Daniel Tannebaum, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. China is the largest trading partner of Iran, and the success of the US economic sanctions campaign will be toothless without China.<h2>Iran said it is “fully prepared”</h2>Iran's Finance Minister Ali Madanizadeh told the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran News Network that Tehran is “fully prepared for the sanctions”, and said that they have been long expecting this. He added that Iran has a long "two-year plan" for this.“We know how to play this game. This time, they should not think our response will be purely defensive and that we will only defend ourselves. They should also expect us to go on the offensive,” said &nbsp;Ali Madanizadeh.&nbsp;

China warned Washington against unilateral sanctions on Iran as the US widened its sanctions campaign. Tehran said it was fully prepared to respond.

China has warned Washington that it will safeguard its interests after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the widening of the sanctions campaign against Iran, and warned that nations financially partnering with Iran will be isolated. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China was opposed to "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights. “China has made clear on many occasions its firm opposition to illicit unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or the authorisation of the UN Security Council,” said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson. “The pressing task is to facilitate de-escalation of the situation and return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible.” Beijing has warned that these sanctions will "further intensify tensions” and that China’s cooperation with Iran should not be disrupted. “Economic warfare and maximum pressure will not help resolve the issue. They will only further intensify tensions and conflicts, create spillover risks,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular press briefing. “China’s cooperation with Iran has always been conducted within the framework of international law and should not be disrupted or undermined.” Also Read: Piyush Goyal takes veiled dig at China, invokes Jack Ma while pitching India to Japanese investors US Treasury Secretary has warned countries against maintaining ties with Iran US Treasury Secretary called these new measures "the single greatest financial offensive ever" and warned of dire consequences for countries with economic ties to Iran. He warned that banks and businesses will share in Iran's isolation if they refuse to cut ties with Iran. “Every country has a defined timeline to shut down activities we have identified. If they do not take action, we will do so unilaterally through Treasury authorities,” said Bessent. Though he did not specifically name those countries, he hinted that Trump would be phoning world leaders "with specific requests to cease their interactions with the regime". The major nations that were going to be impacted are China, India, Egypt, UAE and Iraq, according to Daniel Tannebaum, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. China is the largest trading partner of Iran, and the success of the US economic sanctions campaign will be toothless without China. Iran said it is “fully prepared” Iran's Finance Minister Ali Madanizadeh told the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran News Network that Tehran is “fully prepared for the sanctions”, and said that they have been long expecting this. He added that Iran has a long "two-year plan" for this. “We know how to play this game. This time, they should not think our response will be purely defensive and that we will only defend ourselves. They should also expect us to go on the offensive,” said Ali Madanizadeh.

China warned Washington against unilateral sanctions on Iran as the US widened its sanctions campaign. Tehran said it was fully prepared to respond.

China warns US as Iran sanctions widen; Tehran says it is 'fully prepared'

US-Iran war: Will Iran capitulate to increased US economic pressure? 

Iran says it is preparing to unveil what it describes as the world's largest missile city, even as the United States ramps up economic pressure with a sweeping new sanctions campaign. Tehran insists its military production remains uninterrupted and claims key military assets were relocated before the war, allowing missile and defense output to continue rising. Meanwhile, Washington has expanded sanctions targeting Iran's trade, financial and shipping networks, warning countries and companies against doing business with Tehran.


Iran to unveil world's largest missile city as US escalates economic pressure 

Iran's Mehr News has released a rare, undated 12-second video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei showing him in discussion with advisers, amid widespread reports claiming he's in "critical condition" and possibly hospitalised. Since taking over after his father Ali Khamenei's death in a February airstrike, Mojtaba had made no public appearances, fueling months of speculation. The video's authenticity and actual recording date remain unverified.


Iran releases rare Mojtaba Khamenei footage amid reports of critical health

Iran has dismissed the latest U.S. sanctions threat as a sign of desperation, insisting that Washington's pressure campaign will fail to change Tehran's policies. The response comes as the Trump administration prepares what officials describe as the toughest sanctions package yet, targeting Iran and countries that continue doing business with it. Iranian leaders argue that years of economic pressure have failed to achieve U.S. objectives, while Washington says tougher measures are needed to increase pressure on Tehran. As tensions escalate, the debate is shifting beyond sanctions: who is becoming more isolated on the global stage—Iran or the United States?

Iran dismisses new U.S. Sanctions threat: IRGC warns of strikes on American interests

US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent has announced an economic pressure campaign against Iran, vowing to target Tehran’s financial interests across the world.

Bessent said on Monday that the US would target all of Iran’s sources of revenue, including oil, with the aim of preventing other countries and companies from doing business with Tehran.

US-Iran tensions: Bessent unveils 'economic D-day sanctions' on Iran

In an interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had tried to assassinate one of his two sons. The remark appeared to justify the recent decision to extend security for his sons even if he loses the upcoming election.

Calling it "quite unbelievable," Netanyahu said Iran had targeted one of his sons and tried to kill him, but he did not name which son or give any further details.

Netanyahu claims Iran attempted to assassinate his son 

As the US and Iran trade threats and military actions, tensions are rising once again. With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure and Washington preparing fresh sanctions, is another major escalation between the two sides imminent?

As US & Iran spar with each other, is a fresh escalation in the offing 

Iran has announced the discovery of more than 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas in southern Fars province, months into a Middle East war that has damaged the country’s energy infrastructure. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said more than 160 billion cubic metres could be recoverable, with the field potentially producing around 280 million cubic metres of gas per day for 15 years.

7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas discovered in Iran amid war & sanctions 

Amid U.S. unveiling its major economic sanctions on Iran, China expressed its displeasure and called for a return to talks. While Trump claimed that Iran is 'completely collapsing', Tehran has threatened to shut down all oil exports from West Asia.

US-Iran war: China 'Trumps' Trump on Iran Sanctions, Calls for Return to Talks

In a few minutes from now, the so-called economic D-Day for Iran will kick in, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to unveil major economic sanctions on Iran. Trump claims that Iran is “completely collapsing”. But Tehran has asserted that this tactic will fail and threatened to shut down all oil exports from West Asia.Without detailing specific measures, Bessent has signalled that the US would also target nations that practise appeasement by engaging with Iran’s economy and financial system.China, though, drew the red line. Opposing the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran, Beijing argued that they would escalate tensions and called upon all parties to exercise restraint and return to talks.Now, why is China’s stance so crucial?According to reports, Beijing helped push Tehran to the negotiating table for a ceasefire in April. Being Iran’s largest trading partner, which purchases roughly 90 per cent of its crude oil, China has high stakes in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Another key question arises: Can Trump bypass China’s opposition and go ahead with the economic sanctions? Since his visit to Beijing in May, the US President has been keen on China buying American soybeans, oil as well as Boeing jets. For America, China’s supply of critical minerals is also vital, as they are essential components in the production of weapons, which have been depleted by the war.Going against Beijing at this juncture might put all this at risk. It is also worth noting that Xi is set to meet Trump at the White House in September.Ahead of America’s announcement, mediation efforts continue.Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran, where he met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. According to Reuters, Trump spoke to Munir last week, with the US seeking Pakistan’s influence to bring Iran back to talks.Tensions persisted in West Asia, though. For instance, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile at a Saudi Arabia-flagged tanker in the Red Sea. This led to a fire breaking out on the vessel. The Houthis declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia last month.On its part, Iran blacklisted 45 tankers for breaking its rules while crossing the Strait of Hormuz and warned other vessels not to transit this strategic waterway without its permission. It stressed that these vessels could be fined and have their cargo confiscated as well. Additionally, Iran threatened other countries against joining new US efforts to squeeze Tehran’s economy.Meanwhile, Iran clarified that it was yet to receive a formal invitation to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. However, Tehran did not rule out negotiations with these countries for the overall security of the region.America’s fresh threat of economic sanctions also comes at a time when the Iranian rial has fallen to a historic low, crossing two million rials against the US dollar. This has raised fresh concerns about inflation, purchasing power and the Iranian government’s ability to stabilise the economy.Food has become very expensive, with the price of rice up by 60 per cent since the war began.Now, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also acknowledged the issues arising from the current impasse. He linked the MOU with the US to Iran’s economic prospects, saying that his country was not able to attract investment at present.People on the streets of Iran also expressed their anguish over the current state of affairs.With both the US and Iran unwilling to budge from their positions, West Asia continues to remain on edge.

Iran faces fresh US sanctions as Washington threatens economic pressure and China urges restraint, while Tehran warns of retaliation and tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz.

In a few minutes from now, the so-called economic D-Day for Iran will kick in, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to unveil major economic sanctions on Iran. Trump claims that Iran is “completely collapsing”. But Tehran has asserted that this tactic will fail and threatened to shut down all oil exports from West Asia. Without detailing specific measures, Bessent has signalled that the US would also target nations that practise appeasement by engaging with Iran’s economy and financial system. China, though, drew the red line. Opposing the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran, Beijing argued that they would escalate tensions and called upon all parties to exercise restraint and return to talks. Now, why is China’s stance so crucial? According to reports, Beijing helped push Tehran to the negotiating table for a ceasefire in April. Being Iran’s largest trading partner, which purchases roughly 90 per cent of its crude oil, China has high stakes in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Another key question arises: Can Trump bypass China’s opposition and go ahead with the economic sanctions? Since his visit to Beijing in May, the US President has been keen on China buying American soybeans, oil as well as Boeing jets. For America, China’s supply of critical minerals is also vital, as they are essential components in the production of weapons, which have been depleted by the war. Going against Beijing at this juncture might put all this at risk. It is also worth noting that Xi is set to meet Trump at the White House in September. Ahead of America’s announcement, mediation efforts continue. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran, where he met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. According to Reuters, Trump spoke to Munir last week, with the US seeking Pakistan’s influence to bring Iran back to talks. Tensions persisted in West Asia, though. For instance, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile at a Saudi Arabia-flagged tanker in the Red Sea. This led to a fire breaking out on the vessel. The Houthis declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia last month. On its part, Iran blacklisted 45 tankers for breaking its rules while crossing the Strait of Hormuz and warned other vessels not to transit this strategic waterway without its permission. It stressed that these vessels could be fined and have their cargo confiscated as well. Additionally, Iran threatened other countries against joining new US efforts to squeeze Tehran’s economy. Meanwhile, Iran clarified that it was yet to receive a formal invitation to join the Makkah Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. However, Tehran did not rule out negotiations with these countries for the overall security of the region. America’s fresh threat of economic sanctions also comes at a time when the Iranian rial has fallen to a historic low, crossing two million rials against the US dollar. This has raised fresh concerns about inflation, purchasing power and the Iranian government’s ability to stabilise the economy. Food has become very expensive, with the price of rice up by 60 per cent since the war began. Now, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also acknowledged the issues arising from the current impasse. He linked the MOU with the US to Iran’s economic prospects, saying that his country was not able to attract investment at present. People on the streets of Iran also expressed their anguish over the current state of affairs. With both the US and Iran unwilling to budge from their positions, West Asia continues to remain on edge.

Iran faces fresh US sanctions as Washington threatens economic pressure and China urges restraint, while Tehran warns of retaliation and tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz.

China 'trumps' Trump on Iran sanctions, calls for return to talks | Gravitas

Iran has issued a fresh warning to countries cooperating with sanctions against Tehran, as China and Russia come under increasing pressure from Washington. The United States is treading carefully with Beijing, aware of the wider implications of escalating economic tensions. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet again in Washington in September. The developments come as the Iran crisis, sanctions pressure and U.S.-China rivalry increasingly intersect, creating a complex geopolitical challenge for all sides.


Iran warns sanctions cooperators as Trump and Xi prepare for September summit 

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Kyiv, where Britain is expected to deepen its military support for Ukraine. The UK plans to share the blueprint for its SCALP cruise missile, potentially allowing Ukraine to strengthen its domestic weapons production capabilities. Russia has accused Britain of escalating the conflict and “adding fuel to the fire.” The move comes as the war enters another tense phase, with Western allies weighing greater military support for Kyiv.


Russia-Ukraine war: UK to share SCALP missile blueprint with Ukraine during Kyiv visit 

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has mocked US President Donald Trump’s economic sanction campaign. In response to Trump's reposting an edited excerpt from Ghalibaf’s remarks about Iran’s economic situation. In a social media post, he restyled Trump's famous Make America Great Again catchphrase to “Make America Hungry Again”.Ghalibaf shared a picture claiming that 47 million people in the United States face hunger and 16 million US children are among those affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. Ghalibaf stressed that Trump can not cover up “defeats” using false claims.This reaction came in response to Trump sharing an edited excerpt from Ghalibaf's remark during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi businesspeople, with Ghalibaf saying: “We are hungry and we do not have the ability to resist.”According to Iranian media, Ghalibaf was not describing hunger as the current condition of the Iranian people. Rather, he was emphasising the need to strengthen the economy. Both security and economic strength must be maintained simultaneously. He said that the US has failed militarily and is now engaging in psychological and economic warfare.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/revanth-reddy-returns-hyderabad-mea-denies-us-visit-clearance-1787578195030">'Insult' to 4 crore people of Telangana: Why CM Revanth Reddy's US visit clearance was denied</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MAKE AMERICA HUNGRY AGAIN! You can’t cover up defeats with false claims. <a href="https://t.co/LBclafRt3B">pic.twitter.com/LBclafRt3B</a>&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2091846882876145880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran will strike on US energy chokepoints and vital interests: IRGC</h2>Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said that the country's missile capability remains intact and any attack at Iran's infrastructure will result in “heavy strikes” on US energy chokepoints and vital interests. He further added that Iran's missile production continues and the US plan for new economic sanctions against Tehran amounts to "an implicit admission" of Washington's failure on the military front.&nbsp;"We can easily establish economic relations with countries. There is no concern regarding the economic situation," said Mohebbi, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.“Today, the US understands very well that if it carries out its threats against Iran’s infrastructure, it will face heavy strategic strikes on energy chokepoints and its vital interests.” He continued, “The most important achievement of this war was transferring vulnerability to the enemy’s vital infrastructure and affiliated centres."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked Donald Trump with a “Make America Hungry Again” remark after the US president shared an edited clip of his comments indicating that Iran was hungry.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has mocked US President Donald Trump’s economic sanction campaign. In response to Trump's reposting an edited excerpt from Ghalibaf’s remarks about Iran’s economic situation. In a social media post, he restyled Trump's famous Make America Great Again catchphrase to “Make America Hungry Again”. Ghalibaf shared a picture claiming that 47 million people in the United States face hunger and 16 million US children are among those affected by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. Ghalibaf stressed that Trump can not cover up “defeats” using false claims. This reaction came in response to Trump sharing an edited excerpt from Ghalibaf's remark during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi businesspeople, with Ghalibaf saying: “We are hungry and we do not have the ability to resist.” According to Iranian media, Ghalibaf was not describing hunger as the current condition of the Iranian people. Rather, he was emphasising the need to strengthen the economy. Both security and economic strength must be maintained simultaneously. He said that the US has failed militarily and is now engaging in psychological and economic warfare. Also Read: 'Insult' to 4 crore people of Telangana: Why CM Revanth Reddy's US visit clearance was denied

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked Donald Trump with a “Make America Hungry Again” remark after the US president shared an edited clip of his comments indicating that Iran was hungry.

Iran’s Ghalibaf mocks Trump's economic sanction campaign: ‘Make America Hungry Again’

US-Iran war: Trump turns to economic warfare, pressures world to isolate Iran

The US-Iran conflict enters a new phase as Washington prepares sweeping “D-Day” sanctions targeting Iran’s economy. With the rial already under pressure and the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, the big question is how far the new sanctions will impact Tehran and ordinary Iranians.


US-Iran war: with the D-day sanctions, all eyes are on how Iran is impacted 

US-Iran war: 'Tehran will stand firm,' Iran threatens total oil halt 

Iranian women continue to defy strict hijab laws amid ongoing protests for personal freedom and gender equality. As the new year begins, activists highlight the struggle for basic rights and the risks faced by women challenging conservative regulations. The movement has drawn international attention, sparking debates on human rights and women’s empowerment in Iran.

Iran’s hijab battle returns: Women defy hardliners amid renewed crackdown 

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